Looking back at 2011
Editor’s Note: The following is the first of a two-part series that looks back on some of the more memorable business stories of 2011. This article covers January to June, while the second installment, to appear in next week’s paper, will feature July through December.
January
• Krissy Williams, of Presque Isle, was the recipient of a $500 scholarship from the Northeast Society for Human Resource Management (NESHRM). The first-year student enrolled in Northern Maine Community College’s business administration program, aspires to become a human resources manager.
• Amy and Jim Collins of Portage Lake purchased the H&R Block office in Presque Isle on Main Street. The business provides a full line of services including tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll.
• Several local businesses pledged financial support for the E.ON IBU World Cup Biathlon which was held in February at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle.
• Laura Schools, a student at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Maine Higher Education Assistance Foundation.
February
• Katahdin Trust Co. teamed with Intuit Financial Services to offer free Mobile Banking and Text Message Banking. The mobile version of the Bank’s Online Banking allows customers to securely access account balances, transfer funds and make electronic bill payments using their web-enabled mobile device.
• The United Way of Aroostook launched its new website, www.unitedwayaroostook.org. With a new look and a link for people to donate online, the site was well received by the community.
• Northern Maine Community College received a new state-of-the-art automation lathe, with an estimated value of $110,000, for its precision metals manufacturing program. The equipment was provided as the result of a school entrustment agreement with Haas Automation, Inc.
March
• The Salvation Army Family Store, previously located on State Street, moved to 377 Main St. in Presque Isle, formerly Burrelle’s. The new store boasted more than twice the space as its former site and unlimited parking.
• Milt, Linda and Derik Smith, doing business as KFC/Taco Bell, accepted the chamber of commerce’s 2010 Business of the Year honors at the chamber’s annual awards banquet.
• A paper moose made of green, gold and silver shamrocks decorated the interior wall at Lowe’s in Presque Isle. The moose was part of an annual fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Store staff set a goal of raising $5,500.
• Gloria Goughan of Caribou was honored as the Maine Agri-Women’s Woman of the Year at the Maine Potato Board’s annual dinner and meeting. Goughan was chosen for her many years of service to the farm family, the Maine potato industry and her commitment and dedication to agriculture.
April
• Presque Isle City Council approved a medical marijuana ordinance, including conditions that would have to be met before anyone could establish a dispensary facility in the city. Among the conditions were: a setback of 250 feet from schools, churches and playgrounds; distance of 200 feet from residences; the premises could not include residential living space; and employment records would be subject to review by local police.
• KeyBank expanded its KeyBank Plus service to an additional 22 branches in Maine.
• A gift of 15 digital multimeters was made to Northern Maine Community College from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. The equipment will enhance the learning opportunities of students enrolled automotive collision repair, automotive technology and diesel hydraulics programs.
• Officials with The Aroostook Medical Center began using hand-held technology to relay patient information faster, allowing doctors to share data quickly between hospitals when dealing with trauma and/or seriously ill patients.
• Cindy and Chris Johnson of Caribou celebrated the grand opening of their second thrift shop. Located at 157 State Street in Presque Isle, at the former site of the Salvation Army, the 4,500 square foot retail shop offers everything from shoes to refrigerators.
• Catholic Charities opened the doors of its newest facility, a thrift store, at the former NAPA building located at 11 Davis Street in Presque Isle.
May
• Savings Bank of Maine officials announced a name change to The Bank of Maine, as part of the bank’s rebranding initiative.
June
• Carl DeLong, of Presque Isle, was named as the recipient of a $1,100 scholarship from The Crow’s Nest Restaurant and Event Center, LLC. This marks the first year the restaurant has offered the award, with plans to continue it in the future.
• The wind power technology program at Northern Maine Community College attracted international attention resulting in $28,000 worth of tool and equipment donations from three German companies, with the announcement made May 24 at the American Wind Energy Association WINDPOWER Conference and Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif.
• Officials with the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Bethany Bible College met in Sussex on June 7 to sign a cooperative educational agreement. The joint international venture provides students of BBC with a post-degree education option at UMPI, allowing students to attain academic requirements for teacher certification in Maine and New Brunswick.
• Michael and Nicole Lodge opened Here We Grow, an organic gardening supply store offering year-round service to area gardeners, on North Street in Presque Isle.
• LEADers Encouraging Aroostook Development and Aroostook Partnership for Progress held their annual joint meeting, honoring members and appointing officers and directors for the 2011-12 year.
— Compiled by Scott Mitchell Johnson and Kathy McCarty
